Universal Service Enclosure

ABSTRACT

A universal services enclosure system, with a centralizing universal back panel, and universal enclosure, which attaches to a house or building, is designed to centralize, enclose, and visually hide, all current and future exterior service boxes, utility connections, and junction points to that building, in a manner that matches and/or complements the existing exterior façade and finish of that house or building.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is associated with the residential and lightcommercial construction industry. It generally relates to a universalenclosure for all utilities and services that enter a structure orbuilding. More specifically, it provides a central point of entry andenclosure for placement of, and access to, all service connections to ahome or building, and is designed in manner to match, enhance, andcomplement the existing façade and finish of the home or building towhich it is attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The standing convention for the placement of utility and service entrypoints to a home or building are only partially regulated by utilitycompanies, city, and county building codes. As a result, serviceconduit, pipes, meters, and junction boxes are inconsistently placedaround a home's exterior. The placement of these service points areoften at the discretion of the various service company installers (i.e.cable, phone, internet, satellite, security, solar, and other auxiliaryservice providers). This leaves an unsightly collection of mismatchedand odd sized pipes, panels and junction boxes, which is unsightly andoften hazardous.

There have been other patents that have attempted to ornamentally covergas meters such as Breaux's Utility Box Trim Decor Kit (US Patent No.202/0250700 A1) or electric meters such as Cabello-Colon's Cover forElectric Meter (U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,359B1), George's Utility Meter Cover(Des. 358560), or Seeley's Utility Meter Cover (Des. 346,976). Nonehowever have addressed the need to centralize all of the service boxesand entry points in a single organized universal service enclosure andsystem, which is easily located, easily accessible, can accommodatefuture service connections, and matches or complements the overallappearance of the service entry area to the home or building which it isattached to. With the advances of technology, along with the expansionof internet and digital media access via cable, satellite, and fiberoptics, and the growth of residential and small business solar and windpower generation, it is expected that even more service entry pointswill be added to existing residential and commercial structures in thefuture. Currently there is no centralized access point and enclosuresuch as a universal service enclosure, that maintains and complimentsthe existing exterior façade and finish of a home or business structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a universal service enclosure, and system,designed to match or complement the existing exterior façade and finishof a house, apartment building, or business structure, in a manner thatprovides a visually appealing and centralized entry point to that house,building, or structure, for placement of, and access to, all exteriorservice connections to that building, including but not limited tocurrent and future, satellite, phone, data and multimedia cables andtheir service boxes, utility meters and their associated pipes andcables, circuit breaker boxes, home security system service boxes,solar, wind power, and future services entry points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents the “Generic” or “Basic” version of the presentinvention from five perspectives or views, with standard dimensions.

FIG. 1-a is the back or anterior perspective of the generic version.

FIG. 1-b is the front perspective of the generic version.

FIG. 1-c is a side view of the generic version.

FIG. 1-d is a cabinet perspective of the generic version.

FIG. 1-e is a top down perspective of the generic version.

FIG. 2 represents the “Generic” or “Basic” version of the presentinvention from seven different perspectives or views.

FIG. 2-a is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 2-b is a front only perspective of the invention;

FIG. 2-c is view from the back showing the open nature of the enclosure;

FIG. 2-d is a view from looking down from the top of the invention;

FIG. 2-e is a view of the invention from a front, right side, and topperspective;

FIG. 2-f is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 2-g is a view looking up of the invention from the bottom

FIG. 3 represents the “Classic” or “Lapboard/Siding” version of thepresent invention from seven perspectives.

FIG. 3-a is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 3-b is a front only perspective of the invention;

FIG. 3-c is view from the back showing the open nature of the enclosure;

FIG. 3-d is a view from looking down from the top of the invention;

FIG. 3-e is a view of the invention from a front, right side, and topperspective;

FIG. 3-f is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 3-g is a view looking up of the invention from the bottom.

FIG. 4 represents the “Brick” version of the present invention fromthree perspectives.

FIG. 4-a is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 4-b is a front only perspective of the invention;

FIG. 4-c is view from the back showing the open nature of the enclosure;

FIG. 5 represents the “Stone” version of the present invention fromthree perspectives.

FIG. 5-a is a view of the invention from a front, left side, and topperspective;

FIG. 5-b is a front only perspective of the invention;

FIG. 5-c is view from the back showing the open nature of the enclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts the individual components that make up the “Customizable”version of the current invention.

FIG. 7 depicts the centralizing Universal Back Panel of the currentinvention from three perspectives.

FIG. 7-a is a front view of the universal back panel;

FIG. 7-b is a view of the universal back panel from a front, left side,and top perspective;

FIG. 7-c is a view of the universal back panel from the top downperspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG. 1 represents the“Generic” or “Basic” version of the present invention from variousperspectives or views. It is a one piece design made by but not limitedto, a thermoforming method, injection molded method, or resin castingmethod, with various ultraviolet stabilized plastic products suitablefor long term exterior exposure to various climatic weather conditions.The included dimensions in FIG. 1 are based upon prevalent U.S. StandardBuilding Codes for electric utility meter placement. The chosendimensions have been found to sufficiently enclose and cover a majorityof the existing meters and service junctions currently attached toindividual homes. These dimensions can be altered to accommodateindividual city or state codes, along with future changes in buildingcodes, or home design.

FIG. 2 represents the “Generic” or “Basic” version of the presentinvention from various perspectives or views. As FIG. 2-c and FIG. 2-greveal, it is a one piece open-box-type design. It is intended toenclose multiple service entry boxes, cables, pipes, or junction areas,attached to the exterior of a house or building, such as but not limitedto, satellite, phone, data and multimedia cables and their serviceboxes, utility meters and their associated pipes and cables, circuitbreaker boxes, home security system service boxes, solar, wind powerentry points, and future services entry points. It is designed to attachto a house or building in such a way as to be easily removable, in orderto access existing service points, and allow placement of future servicepoints.

FIG. 2-d, FIG. 2-e, and FIG. 2-f depicts cabinet perspectives of thegeneric version showing the front, sides, and top of the invention.Referring to FIG. 2-g, the bottom is open allowing the invention toenclose any pipes or cables that may go into the ground adjacent to thehome or building. It also allows space for future service cables orpipes to be directed to and installed under and in the enclosure.Referring to FIG. 1-a, FIG. 2-d, FIG. 2-e and FIG. 2-f, the top isclosed in order to protect the various services boxes inside fromweather and to eliminate view. These same figures also depict one ofmany possible relief designs on the front, which can be used fordecoration, or as a quick access door to circuit breakers or otherindividual connections. These same figures also represent either asmooth or a “stucco-like” finish, molded into the plastic, which ispaintable to match the home or building it is attached to.

FIG. 2-b shows a universal electricity utility symbol molded into theinvention's finish. The method of design allows other universal utilityor service symbols to be added (molded in), as may be required by citybuilding and public safety codes. It also allows for logos ofdevelopers, sponsors, retailers, and other groups to be added to thefinished product at time of manufacture.

FIG. 3 represents the “Classic” or “Lapboard/Siding” version of thepresent invention. Similar in design and manufacture as FIG. 1 and FIG.2, but different in that the front and sides of this version aredesigned to look like the lapboard or siding used in home constructionexterior finishes. These siding finishes can be made from either smooth,textured, or wood grained molds to match the prevalent type in aparticular neighborhood. The top of this version is also different fromFIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in that it is designed to look like the peaked andshingled roof of a home. Singles of various style, shape, and texturecan be molded into the finished product's design. The molded indecoration or access door of this version is also different from FIG. 1and FIG. 2 in that the mold is designed to look like horizontal louversthat are often used as attic vents on the exterior of a home. Decorativeaccess doors of different designs and sizes are also included in thisinvention. This Classic version of the present invention is alsodesigned to be painted or color molded to match or compliment thestructure it is attached to. The size and dimensions of the FIG. 3Classic version are the same or similar to those of the Generic versiondepicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 represents the “Brick” version of the present invention. Theoverall design is similar in size, shape, dimensions and constructionmethod of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 except that the front and sides of thisversion are designed with a brick impression. The top is designed with astucco impression similar to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Decorative access doorsof different designs and sizes are also included in this invention. ThisBrick version of the present invention is also designed to be painted orcolor molded to match or compliment the structure it is attached to. Thesize and dimensions of the FIG. 4 Brick version are the same or similarto those of the Generic version depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 represents the “Stone” version of the present invention. Theoverall design is similar in size, shape, dimensions, and manufacturemethod of FIG. 1 FIG. 2 except that the front and sides of this versionare designed with a stone impression. The top is designed with a stuccoimpression similar to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Decorative access doors ofdifferent designs and sizes are also included in this invention. ThisStone version of the present invention is also designed to be painted orcolor molded to match or compliment the structure it is attached to. Thesize and dimensions of the FIG. 4 Brick version are the same or similarto those of the Generic version depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 represents “Customizable” or “Custom” version of the currentinvention. It is designed so that individual components of the Generic,Classic, Brick, Stone, and future versions of the invention can bemolded and manufactured separately, i.e. top or cap piece, upper body oraccess door piece, center band, and lower body piece, and thenre-arranged in various combinations of the individual components inorder to better match the exterior finish of a custom home, apartmentbuilding, or office building. The individual pieces are designed to beinterlocking so that when assembled it looks and functions as a singleunit. The lower body section is designed to telescope vertically insidethe upper body piece. The point at which the two body sections intersectis hidden by the center decorative band. As FIG. 6 depicts, thedifferent sections can be interchanged due to the universal design andcan be painted or color molded to match or compliment the structure itis attached to. The size and dimensions of the FIG. 6 Custom version isdictated by the size of the service entry point area to be enclosed. Forexample an apartment or office building may have multiple cable orsatellite boxes, along with multiple utility meters in a row, that wouldrequire the present invention to be modified (made considerably widerand deeper) to enclose all the service entry points in a manner desiredby the customer.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a centralizing Universal Back Panel of thecurrent invention is depicted with molded impressions to designateplacement of utilities such as electricity, phone, television,satellite, internet, solar, etc. This Universal Back Panel is designedto be attached via screws or lag bolts to the framing of a house orbuilding at the time of construction, or before utilities and otherservice connections are made to the structure. It is made of the samematerial and method as the Universal Service Enclosure. Its' designallows for any of the Universal Service Enclosures to be attached to it.The current attachment method between the Universal Back Panel and theUniversal Service Enclosure is a keyhole method, which allows for quickand easy installation and removal, but may be attached via othermethods.

The advantages of the present invention, without limitation, areaddressing the need to centralize and enclose the utility and otherservices entry points to a home or building into a single organizedUniversal Service Enclosure, that is easily located, easily accessible,can accommodate future service connections, and matches or complementsthe overall appearance of the exterior of the home or building which itis attached to. A great deal of time and money is spent designing, andfinishing the exterior of a home, apartment building, or officebuilding, in a manner that is both appealing, and one that conforms tothe look and feel of the neighborhood, community, development, or areawhere the structure is built. Somewhere along the building process,utility companies and service companies install their meters, junctionboxes, cables and pipes, with little apparent thought for theirconformity to the final finish, façade, and overall look with thebuilding they are attached to. With the advances of technology, alongwith the expansion of internet and digital media access via cable,satellite, and fiber optics, and the growth of residential and smallbusiness solar and wind power generation, it is expected that even moreservice entry points will be added to existing residential andcommercial structures. Currently there is no device or centralizedaccess panel and/or enclosure such as the present Universal ServiceEnclosure, and centralized Universal Back Panel, which can enclosemultiple utility and service access or entry points to a home orbuilding while maintaining or complimenting the look of the existingexterior façade and finish of the home or building. The presentinvention solves this problem by providing the solution of a universalenclosure and/or new construction back panel, which covers existing andfuture service connections to that building. This invention is modular,durable, easy to attach or remove, can be modified to accommodatevarious looks, colors, textures, and conforms to, or enhances the lookof one's home or building.

While the foregoing written description of the invention describes asystem, design, and method of manufacture of the invention, it isunderstood that one of modest skill could use other materials or methodsto make and use the present invention. The invention should thereforenot be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples,but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of theinvention as claimed including the conceptualization of the centralizingand universal nature the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Universal Service Enclosure System, with aUniversal Back Panel, and Universal Enclosures, that centralize theplacement of multiple exterior utility and service access or entrypoints to a home or building, within the same enclosure, with a designand fashion that matches or compliments the look of the exterior façadeand finish of the home or building, is modular, interchangeable, canaccommodate the look of more than one façade or finish with a singleenclosure, is durable, paintable, weather resistant, easily attached andeasily removable, and is designed to accommodate current and futureservice entry points of a home or building, along with their independentjunction boxes, cables, pipes, conduits, and wires.
 2. The modular andinterchangeable nature of claim 1 wherein the enclosure systemincorporates multiple connecting modules i.e. top cap, body, centerband, and base, along with a variety of finishes or textures, within thesame interlocking enclosure unit or system.
 3. The conceptualization ofa centralized enclosure system design, that can be placed on a home orbuilding at the time of construction, or after completion ofconstruction, that covers multiple service entry points to a house orbuilding and allows for both current and future service connections tobe enclosed in the same unit.